Final Deadline for the Cornhusker State Games is June 30

Monday

Jun 23, 2014 at 12:20 PM

The final deadline to register for most sports in the 2014 Cornhusker State Games is Monday, June 30.

The final deadline to register for most sports in the 2014 Cornhusker State Games is Monday, June 30. Officials reported Friday that more than 6,000 Nebraskans are registered and entries are on pace to top 13,000.

So far, more than 200 Nebraska communities and 11 different states are represented as, for the first time, non-residents hoping to earn a medal and qualify for the 2015 State Games of America have been welcomed into Nebraska’s Olympic-style amateur sports festival.

Thus far, the youngest registrant is one year-old Harper Janssen of Lincoln who is participating in the ENERGY Walk. The oldest is swimmer Jack Campbell, 86, also from Lincoln. Other notable enrollees include two of last year’s top honorees: Scottsbluff Wrestler Salem Harsh, who won the overall 2013 Youth Athlete of the Year Award, and Vicki Neiman, a TaeKwonDo athlete from Hastings and winner of the 2013 Senior Athlete of the Year Award.

Officials also announced Friday that Miss Nebraska Amanda Soltero from Columbus will be on hand at the Games Opening Ceremonies July 18 at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Soltero is fresh off a top-20 showing at last weekend’s Miss USA Pageant in Baton Rouge. The Opening Ceremonies lineup also includes the high-flying Acro Dunk team, the traditional parade of athletes led by the famous Su Fu Du Drumline from Sioux Falls, the CSG Mascot Showcase and the lighting of the caldron by the Mystery Torchlighter.

The Games, which take place July 18-27, offer competition in more than 60 sports for all ages and abilities. All registered athletes receive free admission to the Opening Ceremonies and a Cornhusker State Games shirt with their paid entry. Those interested can register or find more information at CornhuskerStateGames.com or by calling 402-471-2544.